Director of Business Development - California

Rainmaker Technology Corporation • El Segundo, CA

1d

About The Position

As a member of Rainmaker’s State Business Development team, the Director of Business Development will grow the company’s business with state government customers in California. The role identifies and develops opportunities for precipitation enhancement and water resource programs, including state appropriations, grants, agency contracts, and pilot programs. It also builds long-term relationships and supports the policy environment needed to turn opportunities into funded work.

The role combines business development with knowledge of legislative, budget, and procurement processes for state agencies and publicly funded entities. It also coordinates public/private partnerships involving state agencies, water districts, agricultural interests, and private capital, helping expand Rainmaker’s business across public and private channels. The position requires approximately 50% or more travel for legislative sessions, customer engagements, and project site visits.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in business development, government relations, capture management, or public policy involving California state government; ideally in water, natural resources, agriculture, infrastructure, or environmental sectors.
• A track record of winning state funding, contracts, or appropriations, or shaping legislative and budgetary outcomes that resulted in funded programs.
• Strong understanding of state budget cycles, grant programs, and procurement processes, and how policy frameworks intersect with water supply, environmental protection, and agricultural needs.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with elected officials, agency staff, and external partners and navigate long, multi-stakeholder sales cycles.
• Ability to own a pipeline and revenue target while working collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 50% or more.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree in political science, business, economics, law, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Own a revenue target tied to state-funded programs in California and manage opportunities from identification through award.
• Identify state funding pathways, including infrastructure bills, budget line items, grant programs, and procurement vehicles; develop multi-year capture plans across fiscal years and legislative sessions.
• Build and maintain relationships with legislators, agency leaders, regulatory staff, water districts, and industry associations, and build coalitions supporting Rainmaker programs.
• Lead engagement in California legislative sessions and budget cycles to create and protect funding for water infrastructure, agricultural resilience, and precipitation enhancement programs.
• Prepare and deliver testimony, briefings, and presentations to committees and decision-making bodies.
• Advocate for policies that expand the market for Rainmaker’s services and align policy initiatives with funding and contract opportunities.
• Identify and coordinate public/private partnerships that pair state programs with private-sector partners and funding.
• Work with leadership, technical, legal, and communications teams to scope programs, develop proposals, and ensure compliance with state regulations and procurement requirements.
• Organize site visits, demonstrations, roundtables, and educational forums for lawmakers, agency officials, and prospective customers.
• Track legislative, regulatory, and budgetary developments in water, agriculture, and environmental sectors; report pipeline status, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to leadership.

Benefits

• Meaningful stock options.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Unlimited paid time off and a generous paid holiday schedule.
• Paid parental leave for both parents.
• Daily lunch provided at the El Segundo headquarters.
• Relocation assistance for eligible roles.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director